On March 3, in response to the nation’s need for an improved infrastructure and global leadership in 5G networks and beyond, Reps. Bill Johnson (R-OH), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Tim Walberg (R-MI), and Annie Kuster (D-NH) introduced H.R. 1377, The Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act. This critical legislation is set out to strengthen American leadership within the wireless communications industry by uniting key stakeholders in order to create a unified standard for current and future generations of networks. The Program seeks not only to solidify U.S leadership within the competitive market of wireless communication but also its security against looming threats from foreign competitors such as China and Russia who seek to gain a competitive edge by influencing wireless services at prohibitive rates.
To ensure that America remains resilient in this ever-changing technological landscape, the bill calls on the Assistant Secretary of Communications and Information to increase U.S representation within worldwide communications standards setting bodies in order to better facilitate these efforts. Moreover, it seeks relief from other regulatory restrictions so that our American companies are able to foster growth with customers around the world without having any unfair disadvantage when competing with foreign entities who may seek to capitalize on their less stringent regulations concerning technology transfer or intellectual property rights infringement among others. The legislation has been referred for consideration to both of the U.S House’s Committees – Energy and Commerce Committee as well as Foreign Affairs Committee – hoping that they provide their positive assessment on the matter which will ultimately benefit US competitiveness and security alike if it is passed into law successfully. Henceforth, in order for America take a true global lead with respect to 5G network technologies among others, passing H.R 1377 will no doubt be a major step forward towards achieving this goal.
The legislation is part of a larger strategy by the Trump administration to make sure that the US remains competitive in the technology sector. The White House’s National Security Strategy has outlined a plan to “advance American leadership in developing and deploying 5G and other advanced technologies.” This bill seeks to further that effort, creating a framework of collaboration between federal government agencies and industry stakeholders to ensure America’s technological strength. The Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act has been endorsed by several key technology groups, including CTIA – The Wireless Association. CTIA President Meredith Attwell Baker praised the bill for taking “an important step towards helping us lead in 5G and set the global standard for the next generation of wireless communications.”